Hallandale to create lifeguard corps

(Sun Sentinel/Joe Cavaretta )

August 1, 2012|By Robert Nolin, Sun Sentinel

HALLANDALE BEACH — — Joining surrounding cities, officials decided Wednesday to get into the lifeguard business in a big way, with greater numbers of better trained personnel safeguarding an expanded shoreline.

"The citizens, the visitors to Hallandale Beach will receive a higher level of care," said Gerry Falconer, president of the United States Lifesaving Association's southeast region.

Under the plan unanimously approved by the City Commission, one supervisor along with six full-time and six part-time lifeguards will monitor the city's entire beach. Previously, fewer lifeguards stood watch at two designated sections of beach along the city's north and south borders, leaving parts of the shoreline unprotected.

At the city pool at Bluesten Park there will be one supervisor, two full-time and three part-time lifeguards, and six seasonal lifeguards.

Assuming responsibility for lifeguard service is a departure for Hallandale Beach. Since 2003, the city has contracted with Jeff Ellis Management, one of the largest lifeguard companies in the country, to provide service to its beach and pool.

City Manager Renee Crichton said Hallandale Beach was the only city in the country that used Jim Ellis for beach protection, but many cities hired the firm for swimming pool lifeguards.

The company came under scrutiny last month when it fired lifeguard Tomas Lopez for leaving his assigned zone to assist in the rescue of a visitor in distress. The firm offered Lopez his job back, but he declined.

The city's contract with Jeff Ellis expires on Sept. 30, but the company told the city it wasn't seeking a renewal. The city then faced a deadline to decide whether to hire another company for lifeguard services or assume the job itself.

Jeff Ellis cost the city about $334,000 a year. For Hallandale Beach to take over lifeguard operations as they are now would cost the city $617,501 for pool and beach. A second proposal, which would expand lifeguard protection to the entire beach, with increased personnel, additional chairs and tower improvements, would cost $756,492.

Under the more expensive plan, lifeguards would be certified by the United States Lifesaving Association and acquire emergency medical technician status.

Commissioner Keith London noted the difference between the two plans was only about $150,000, an acceptable cost when considering the loss of a human life.

"I don't want to put a price tag of $150,000 to save a life," he said.

Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan will oversee the beach lifeguards, while Cathie Schanz, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, will handle the pool lifeguards, who will be certified by the American Red Cross rather than the more stringent national lifesaving association.